Mrs. Padilly's Garden Poem
Mrs. Padilly's Garden Series
What’s inside...
Ready to go on a journey through a most unusual garden? In only 88 words, Mrs. Padilly's Garden Poem will lead you to a mythical land to find the creatures that live within. Along the way, you will also hunt for pysanky symbols and learn their meanings. Pysanky eggs, also called Ukrainian Easter eggs, are decorated with these symbols and are beautiful works of art. Aimed for ages two and up, this book is the first in a series by Donna Marie, with two more books scheduled for release in 2024.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
2-18
Length
37 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think Mrs. Padilly felt when she saw her garden bloom?
Why do you think the garden was important to Mrs. Padilly?
How do the colors and shapes in the garden make you feel?
What would you plant in your garden and why?
How do you think taking care of a garden might help someone?
Tip: Role play these questions
Create a comfortable reading environment to make the conversation feel natural and enjoyable.
Show genuine interest in their responses to encourage deeper thinking and engagement.
Relate the garden elements in the story to real-life examples around your home or neighborhood.
Encourage your child to draw or describe their own dream garden, using elements from Mrs. Padilly's garden.
Discuss the importance of patience and care in nurturing plants, drawing parallels to nurturing one’s own talents and relationships.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of teamwork
Explanation: The story demonstrates teamwork as different animals come together to help Mrs. Padilly in her garden, each contributing in unique ways.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to collaborate with others in school projects or during play, understanding that everyone has something valuable to contribute.
Example Lesson: Respect for nature
Explanation: Mrs. Padilly teaches the animals to care for plants and the environment in her garden, showing respect and gentleness.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to be mindful of their environment, promoting activities like planting trees, recycling, and conserving water.
Example Lesson: Patience and perseverance
Explanation: The garden does not bloom overnight, and Mrs. Padilly along with her friends must wait patiently and work diligently, showcasing that perseverance pays off.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of patience and persistent effort in achieving goals, whether in academics, sports, or personal projects.
Example Lesson: Creativity and problem-solving
Explanation: Throughout the story, the characters face various challenges in the garden and come up with creative solutions to solve them.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to think creatively when faced with obstacles, enhancing their problem-solving skills in real life situations.
Example Lesson: Joy of sharing
Explanation: When the garden finally blooms, Mrs. Padilly and the animals share the fruits of their labor with others in the community, spreading happiness and goodwill.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the importance of sharing with others, fostering a sense of community and generosity.